Undertaking Love Page 0,45

He held her in his arms and let her cry. Great big sobs that wracked through her frame. He absorbed them all, wishing her pain away. He shrugged out of his jacket, wrapped it around her cold shoulders, and stroked her hair like a child until the tears subsided.

‘What do I have to do about him now, Gabe?’ Her voice was small and broken, so unlike the strong vibrant woman she was. He was glad that this was something that he could take care of for her.

‘What would you like to happen?’

Marla sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder. ‘I’d wind the clock back and save him.’

Her voice cracked with raw emotion, and he squeezed her gently and rested his chin on the top of her head. He’d heard similar responses many times over the years from grieving relatives and it never failed to make his throat tighten.

‘I could see how much you loved him.’

‘It was my fault. I should have taken him home, but he cries if I leave him. He was always with me. Always.’

Gabe stroked the red waves beneath his fingers.

‘Let me bring him inside for tonight. I can talk you through things in the morning.’ Experience had taught him that people appreciated solid guidance at times like these. It was hard to think straight when your world was skewed. He felt the tension slump from her shoulders; saw the relief in her eyes when she looked up.

‘Thank you. I don’t know what I’d have done if you hadn’t been here tonight.’

She was so close he could see the tears that still clung to her lashes. Grief had rendered her soft and vulnerable, and it would be the easiest thing in the world to lean down and kiss her. His gaze dropped to her swollen mouth. Fuck. He tipped his face up and stared at the stars for a couple of silent moments, pulled himself back from the feelings she stirred in him. He swallowed hard. This wasn’t the time.

‘You’re welcome, Marla. You’re welcome.’

He stepped away from her and held out his hand. ‘Come and sit inside. It’s cold out here.’ He settled her at the reception desk and produced a crystal tumbler and a bottle of brandy. ‘Drink some of this. I’ll be back soon.’

The brandy seared the back of her throat, but it had the desired effect. Her fingers stopped shaking, and warmth chased the shivers from her body. She could see Gabe outside steering Melanie’s Mini towards the kerb, and then moments later crouching down next to Bluey’s body.

She looked down, unable to watch, and noticed the small white envelope that had stuck itself to the base of the bottle. Peeling it off, she tipped her head to one side and read the name written across the front of it in confusion. Marla. Her own name. It was unusual enough to safely assume the note was intended for her, but she was certain that Gabe hadn’t put it there just now.

She glanced out at the street again, where Gabe had rolled Bluey onto a gurney and covered his still form with a blanket.

‘Sleep well, my fur boy,’ she whispered into the silence as Gabe wheeled him past the window to the back gates.

She looked at the little envelope again. Turned it over. Sealed. Bugger. Should she open it? Was it technically hers because it bore her name? Or was it still Gabe’s until such a time as he chose to give it to her? She was too exhausted to compute it, and noises behind her told her that Gabe was in the mortuary with Bluey. She placed the envelope back on the desk and pushed it away. But then, after a heartbeat, she grabbed it again and shoved it into her pocket to think about later.

Gabe had done as much as he could for Bluey tonight, so he headed back to reception where he found Marla sitting stiff-backed, his jacket still wrapped around her. She swiveled to face him as he laid a light hand on her shoulder.

‘Okay?’

‘Not really. You know.’ She shrugged.

‘Yeah, I guess I do.’

Marla glanced up, struck by the melancholy note in Gabe’s voice, and she glimpsed the pain in his gaze before it slid from hers.

‘Need a ride home?

She nodded, grateful not to have to face the walk home without Bluey.

‘If you’re sure it’s not out of your way?’

She realised as she said it that she had no clue where Gabe lived.

He dismissed her comment with a shake of